Finding Your Style in Architectural Photography

In the realm of architectural photography, capturing the essence and beauty of buildings requires more than just point-and-shoot techniques. It demands a keen eye, artistic vision, and the ability to develop a personal style that sets your work apart from the rest. Finding your style in architectural photography requires honing your skills, interpreting structures creatively, and fostering a collaborative relationship with clients. In this blog, we will explore essential tips to help you discover your unique approach and create exceptional architectural masterpieces.

1. Hone Your Skills:

Developing a timeless and unique style in architectural photography begins with mastering the fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with your camera gear, understand exposure, lighting, and composition techniques. Dedicate time to practice and experiment with different angles, focal lengths, and post-processing methods. Consistent practice and continuous learning will build the foundation for your distinctive style to emerge.

Timeless style is paramount. Often, photographers go through phases, just like everyone else. In one decade, their images could be bright and airy; in the next, they’re dark and moody. In architectural photography, such shifts may disconcert clients who are trying to hire you for a particular reason, style, or attribute. Pre-COVID, everything was bright and airy -- we call it the “Instagrammable Moment Era”. Although it was popular, we believe this photography style isn’t an optimal approach for conveying to designers what you bring to the table. Moreover, it creates problems when transitioning images from social media platforms to portfolio display.

Cultivate your own unique style… and stick with it. In the photography world, it’s easy to tell what specific attributes photographers specialize in. It’s imperative to recognize that individual styles vary greatly, so emulating someone else typically results in a dead end. Some excel at working with models, or mastering one-point perspective, or two-point perspective. For instance, our forete lies in crafting dynamic two-point perspective settings in active spaces is our sweet spot. Nick is well oriented enough to work around people, while its in use, and ultimately merge the space to create a still image. All this to say, embracing your own style will imbue you with greater confidence as a photographer.

2. Interpretation Over Replication:

While it's natural to admire and be inspired by iconic architectural photographs, avoid replicating them outright. Instead, focus on interpreting the structures in front of you through your own perspective. Use the interplay of light and shadows to emphasize specific elements, highlight unique angles, or capture the building's character in a way that reflects your vision.

Providing the photographer with inspiration is always helpful. Whether its building material, notable design elements, or a preferred shot list, this will create a more collaborative and gratifying shoot day for all. One shoot that stands out to us was the Memphis Convention Center. Notably, the carpet was designed to replicate the Mississippi River, so it was important for us to capture the subject alongside the river in an artistic way. Every project is different, so it’s crucial that both the photographer and the client understand that inspiration is to stimulate creativitiy rather than capturing it exactly. From there, the images will speak for themselves.

3. Quality Over Quantity:

Some architectural photographers try to get as many shots as they can to please the client. However, the best work is sometimes taken within a few shots. Take your time to meticulously set up each shot, ensuring that every detail aligns with your artistic vision. Remember, one thoughtfully composed image can make a more significant impact than hundreds of rushed photographs.

The goal is capturing impactful images that narrate a compelling story about your space. Often, clients request 3-4 angles of one room, when in reality you only need one angle that will highlight the key design elements. The term “Hero Shots” exists for a reason - because you don’t need 20 of them. It’s much more effective to shoot 6-10 images that will tell your story the best. Once the image locations are selected, then it’s important to take the time to set them up properly (and really take the time!). We treat every project with the same level of detail, making sure to capture images that will perfectly reflect your brand.

4. Deliberate Composition:

In architectural photography, composition is key. Pay attention to lines, shapes, and patterns within the building's design and how they interact with the environment. Frame your shots to create a sense of balance and harmony, and use leading lines to guide the viewer's eye through the image. A well-composed photograph communicates a compelling story about the structure.

Finding where you need to direct the lens to capture the key design elements prior to the shoot will save time and allow for more storytelling day-of.  A hero shot + a few details is the goal. Designers have been thoughtful from start to finish, so it’s important for the photographer to reflect those intentions through their photos. Striking a balance is key – the imge should be inviting, yet avoid being excessively close or distant, where the viewer gets lost in the composition. Cropping in spaces brings the details forward without unnecessary dead space.

5. Collaborate with Your Clients:

To recap from above, when shooting for clients, effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Understand their objectives, architectural preferences, and the story they want to tell through your images. Incorporate their input while staying true to your style, resulting in a symbiotic partnership that produces remarkable results. The more you interact with the client, the more youl; be on the same page, the less you are likely to bother the client in the space. The more likely the client will help you on the shoot. More likely to be open, clean and available for you to use.

6. Set Expectations for Smooth Shoots:

Before heading to the location, set clear expectations with your clients regarding the shoot's schedule, requirements, and deliverables. A well-organized outline enhances productivity and allows you to focus on the artistic process. Ensure that everyone involved understands the timeline, logistics, and the overall vision, leading to a more satisfying and successful experience for everyone.

Establishing clear expectations and comprehending the scope of a shoot is important. For instance, sometimes you have a space, like a university, that has a dominant color throughout the environment. It’s imperative to acknowledge that a photographer won’t mitigate the impact of a dominant color, so it’s best to prepare yourself that you’ll see a lot of it in the photos. We like to tell our clients to walk around with their personal cameras to get a good sense of what a photographer will capture on the actual shoot day. This not only aligns expectations, but also contributes to a more gratifying experience during the shoot.